Is escitalopram the generic version of Lexapro, the same thing as Lexapro?

So if I wanted to wean off of it..would I have the same side effects/withdrawals as with Lexapro?

I stopped taking Escitalopram (10 mg) cold turkey 2-3 months ago. Since then I've been very easily agitated, have angry outbursts for stupid reasons at my family, feel very out of sorts, edgy, jittery... dizzy. I am almost to the point that I'm wondering if I should go back on it, just so my family gets some peace at home. However, I really want off this drug as I don't like being dependent on it.

Responses (3)

I just have a problem with people just stopping an antidepressant because they don't want to take a pill. Have you talked to your doc? Did he tell you you'd have to wean off of it slowly or suffer? Were you taking it for depression, because you'll drop right back into it. I would never stop my anti depressant. I know what the bottom is like and don't want to be there ever again.

I was taking it for anxiety attacks. I have had throat spasms since a car accident at 16. I"m now 42. Each time I would get nervous (could be a new project at work, high stress with the kids, etc. I would spasm) I started on Wellbutrin in my 30's and progressed to Lexapro. The spasms lessened. Then I had my kids in 05 and just continued with the Lexapro. No post partum, but I just didn't change anything. Then in 09 or so, my insurance no longer covered it, so I was switched by my doctor to Escitalopram. At that time I also started a weight loss regimen and better eating. I lost 36 lbs and exercised 5 days a week. I never felt better. I didn't feel like Lexapro or Escitalopram had done much for me anymore over the last 4-6 years. However, I had half heartedly tried to stop once or twice before, but as soon as I started crying for no reason (not me at all..I hate to cry) I would just go back and take the pill. I hated feeling like an 'addict' or like I was 'broken' and couldn't just be fine without it.

In 2012 I got pregnant (July) and my OB/GYN told me to stop taking the Escitalopram if I could because of the babies. So I did. I was fine for a while. I miscarried in September. I didn't re-start the pill.My OB/GYN said to do an every other day dosage and progressively lengthen the time between doses. Anyway, long story short..at 42 I'm much more conscious of what I put in my body and am trying to eat as purely as I can and do not want any drugs in my body. Hence, my reason for this question.

Wish I'd had your wisdom. Went cold turkey. Should have known better. Suffered horribly blinding headaches, mind zapps, high anxiety, deep depression for 3 years still trying to get stable taking ECT treatments whatever I can find to stop this hell.

Hello drugfreedallas. Yes to your question. The withdrawls and side effects will be much of the same. A taper will be needed when time to stop. Lexapro is one of the more harsher drugs in regards to withdrawls. Regards pledge

Name brand Lexapro and generic escalitopram are the same drug, so they generally have similar results while you're using them, and similar results when you're weaning off, tapering off.

You already quit cold turkey, so there is no "wean off", "taper off" option for you now.

You mentioned an option that you might start taking it again. Talk to your doctor, because maybe you should start again.

Some people take it for many years because they need to. Other people take it for a short time then wean off or taper off. There is no right or wrong about long-term use or short-term use, it depends on your situation.

If you re-start and later wean off, do it slowly next time, not cold turkey.

For other people reading this for advice, don't quit cold turkey. Taper off by gradually making does smaller over several weeks or months.